Ungifted

Gordon Korman is one of my favorite authors of middle grade novels. His newest humorous book, Ungifted, was so entertaining - kids will love the storyline and interesting characters. Donovan has been impulsive his entire life so it was not a surprise when he “accidentally” knocked the globe off the metal statue at his middle school. Thankfully no one was killed or injured by the massive careening out-of-control sphere. The result was costly – damaging the entrance, floors, and inside of the gymnasium. Donovan is quickly nabbed by the superintendent who writes his name down on a piece of paper. The superintendent’s secretary mistakenly thinks the paper identifies the qualified candidates for the gifted and talented academy in the district. When Donovan is notified of his transfer to the prestigious school, he quickly realizes that this is his chance to hide out and not have to face any consequences; all the while the superintendent is looking for the name of the perpetrator. Donovan has never shown any type of giftedness in his life so “hiding out” in a school of geniuses is not as easy as it seems. Told from different perspectives, readers will find themselves cheering Donovan on and hoping for the best for the new friends he has made. Other great books by Gordon Korman include No More Dead Dogs, Schooled, Pop, Swindle, Framed, Show Off, Medusa Plot, Born to Rock, Everest series, Island series, On the Run series and Titanic series.

The Templeton Twins Have an Idea

Author Ellis Weiner and illustrator Jeremy Holmes have created a witty interactive chapter book that keeps their readers engaged and entertained. The Templeton Twins Have an Idea is told by an amusing narrator that questions the reader at the end of each chapter. The story is about John and Abigail Templeton, twelve-year-old twins, who have recently lost their mother. Their father, a professor constantly trying to invent things, decides to move the family to a new university to get away from all of the sad reminders of their mom. Unfortunately, their father is being pursued by a crazy former student who declares the professor has stolen his idea of a flying helicopter stored in a knapsack. When the twins find themselves kidnapped by the madman and his very own twin brother, they must use their smarts to get away. The storytelling will definitely appeal to Lemony Snicket (Series of Unfortunate Events) fans. The best part is that readers will learn a thing or two without even realizing it. The format of the text and creative illustrations will appeal to many readers.

Rumors from the Boys' Room

Rose Cooper's Rumors from the Boys' Room (part of her Blogtastic series) is another book that I cannot keep on my library shelf. The girls keep checking it out and asking me what other books I have by this author. What surprises me most is that it is just as popular with the 8th graders as it is with the 6th graders. This novel is written in the same format as Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Sofia writes all her notes in her preblogging notebook. Under a secret pen name, Sofia reveals the gossip of middle school on a blog. When she begins to get some of the information wrong, another secret blogger begins competing with her. Filled with middle school angst (mean girls, cute boys, crushes, and changing family dynamics) - readers will love the humorous cartoons that accompany the text. Other blogtastic novels by Cooper include Gossip from the Girls' Room and Secrets from the Sleeping Bag.

Fake Mustache

Tom Angleberger is known for his popular Origami Yoda series which includes Darth Paper Strikes Back and The Secret of the Fortune Wookie - my students (especially the 6th graders) love them. Fake Mustache is an action packed humorous story that begins with two boys (Casper and Lenny) shopping at a novelty store. It's Casper's birthday and he purchases a valuable, unique handlebar mustache. He, also, purchases a "man about town" suit to wear. The next day Lenny sees on the news that someone who looks just like Casper dressed in the suit and wearing the mustache has robbed a bank. When he goes to Casper's house, he finds a lot of money. He calls the police and everything backfires. Casper's new mustache gives him the power to brainwash people - he keeps robbing banks and assumes power in the community. He, also, convinces everyone that Lenny is the criminal. Lenny is the only one who knows the truth and must stay one step ahead of Casper or be destroyed. The only who believes him is a has-been movie star named Jodie O'Rodeo. Can the two of them convince society that the mustache is cursed and Casper must be stopped before it is too late? This entertaining read will make you want to go out to buy your very own fake mustache!

Aliens on Vacation

Clete Barrett Smith's debut novel and the first in a series, Aliens on Vacation, is on the Texas Bluebonnet 2012 reading list. This entertaining story is narrated by almost seventh grader, Scrub, who is having to spend the summer with his odd grandmother at her home which is also her business called Intergalactic Bed & Breakfast. Scrub notices right away that the tourists staying at his grandmother's home are not normal. Scrub isn't the only one who has noticed that things are not what they seem at the Bed and Breakfast...Sherriff Tate is asking a lot of questions. Things get difficult for Scrub when his grandmother asks him to help out with business. If having to disguise these extra-terrestrial beings who come to the house via a transporter from their home planet isn't hard enough, Scrub has to take three rambunctious children aliens on a campout for an entire night by himself. What happens when they run into Sherriff Tate and local boys on a scouting trip in the woods? Read this humorous story to find out. Can't wait to read Book #2, Alien on a Rampage.

Dead End in Norvelt

Dead End in Norvelt by talented Jack Gantos is the 2012 Newbery Medal Winner. Gantos takes his readers on a journey to his childhood in a small town called Norvelt. Boys will especially love the wacky things that Jack does in the story beginning with accidentally shooting his father's souvenir Japanese sniper rifle from WWII. The year is 1962, families are preparing for the possibility of an attack by the Russians in the midst of the Cold War. Jack gets horrible nose bleeds from any little disturbance he experiences. His parents' disagreements don't help the situation. When he is asked by old Miss Volker who has crippled hands from arthritis to help write the obituaries for the town newspaper, he learns the history of Norvelt and her desire to preserve the historic neighborhood. When the oldest members of Norvelt start dying off within days of each other, this humorous book becomes a mystery. Could Miss Volker be involved? Other suspects include the funeral home owner, Mr. Spizz (the man who controls a lot of Norvelt), and even Jack himself. Read this award winning book to find out how a curious young boy learns a lot about himself and his unusual little town while doing nice things for his elderly neighbors. Other great books by Gantos include his Joey Pigza series, Rotten Ralph series, Hole in my Life (autobiography), Jack on the Tracks: Four Seasons of Fifth Grade, and Heads or Tails: Stories from the Sixth Grade.

How Lamar's Bad Prank Won a Bubba-sized Trophy

Crystal Allen's debut novel, How Lamar's Bad Prank Won a Bubba-Sized Trophy, is a book in my library that kid after kid kept asking me for and I hadn't said one word about it. I knew there must be something special about it. While the library was closed for testing, I was finally able to get my hands on the one copy we had. I totally get why my middle school students are talking about this entertaining, heart-wrenching, and lesson-teaching book. Lamar, a thirteen-year-old boy who recently lost his mother to cancer, is an amazing bowler. Bowling is the one sport the doctor will allow him to participate in due to his severe asthma. Lamar's history as a jokester has prevented him from landing a girlfriend thus far. Sergio, Lamar's rich best friend, has no problem getting the girls. Lamar is convinced by bad-boy, Billy Jenks, to work as a team swindling other bowlers. Lamar finally has some money in his pocket and a beautiful girl on his arm. Unfortunately, his older, basketball star brother pushes him to the edge and Lamar decides to get revenge. As a result of his actions, he loses his good reputation and the things that matter most. Will Lamar be able to fix the wrongs he has created in his and others' lives? I have ordered multiple copies (it is going on my 8th grade reading list in the fall)...now we don't have to wait for it at my school.

Warp Speed

I think I may be a little bias in writing about Lisa Yee's newest book, Warp Speed, because I love her other books: Millicent Min Girl Genius, Stanford Wong Flunks Big-Time, and So Totally Emily Ebers. I love that you can read each book on their own, but they are companion books(the characters appear in the other books). Marley Sandelski is the bullied,nerdy kid from Stanford Wong Flunks Big-Time. Marley feels invisible to everyone, except the Gorns-the bullies who chase him everyday. He loves Star Trek, lives in an old, shabby movie theater with his blind mom and agoraphobic dad, and only belongs to one group at school...the audiovisual club. His geeky best friend nicknamed Ramen loves Star Wars. Things begin to look up when a new girl named Emily Ebers becomes his partner for a fashion project and he inadvertently gets recognized when he uses his speed during the Tiggy Tiger Turkey Trot race. Will Marley finally conquer the bullies? Will he choose to be part of the popular track team and give up his favorite things in audiovisual class? This is going on my 7th grade reading list next year - a must read!

Middle School, The Worst Years of my Life

Middle School, The Worst Years of my Life by James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts is a humorous story about a troubled middle school kid named Rafe. For good reason, many authors are following Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid format – chapters with cartoons throughout. The kids love books like these! Cartoonist Laura Park creatively illustrates this story. Rafe narrates his story and often draws the reader in by asking reflective questions. Rafe’s home life is the worst. He and his younger sister, Georgia, hardly see their hardworking mother while her low-life, live-in boyfriend sits on their couch and watches television all day. On the first day of middle school, the vice principal boringly discusses each rule in the Code of Conduct handbook with all the students. Rafe, negatively influenced by a boy named Leo, decides the only way he will survive this school year is if he creates a game in which he scores points for breaking all of the rules discussed. Will Rafe learn the best way to fit in at his middle school or will the consequences of his bad behavior crash down on him? Reviews I read about this book were either 5 stars (the kids love it) or 1 star (I am assuming the adults due to the deviant behavior)…I am somewhere in the middle. To me, there is still nothing quite like The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. Other great books by James Patterson include the Maximum Ride and Daniel X series – both are great for reluctant reader because of the action packed storylines and short chapters.

The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity

The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Adam Rex is a humorous read that will appeal to upper elementary to middle school students. It is on the Texas Bluebonnet List 2011-12. Steve Brixton has always enjoyed reading the Bailey Brothers Mystery series and The Bailey Brothers’ Detective Handbook. He knows exactly what it takes to be a private detective. On a Friday, his favorite teacher suddenly assigns a research project due on Monday. He draws the topic of early American Needlework. Steve heads to the library to find a book to help him with his research. Of course I especially love this book, because the chaos that ensues is connected with the secret society of librarians. As soon as Steve checks out the book, An Illustrated History of American Quilting, an alarm sounds and a group dressed in all black is after him. This highly skilled group of librarians thinks that Steve is working for someone else to steal the treasured Maguffin Quilt. Will Steve be able to solve the mystery and get these forceful librarians off his back? Click on the book trailer below for more information.

Finally

Every one of us can remember a momentous birthday in our lives. Finally by Wendy Mass celebrates every girl’s dream of turning 12. I actually bought a copy of this book back in March for my niece’s twelfth birthday without having read it before; I just knew how much I liked the author and the title was perfect for the occasion. I just finished listening to the audiobook version while traveling home from Florida this past weekend. It was so entertaining and the narrator, Kathleen Mcinerney, did an excellent job portraying the various characters. Rory Swenson is finally turning 12 years old. She has waited for this day forever. She intends to complete her checklist of all the things she can finally do now that she is twelve. Each item that she completes on her list is met with disaster. What else can go wrong? Is growing up all that we think it is? The best thing about reading this book was getting to laugh with my niece when we were discussing how much we both enjoyed it. Wendy Mass is one of my new favorite authors. I have enjoyed every book I have read by her. My middle school students love them as well. Other fantastic books by Wendy Mass include Leap Day, Every Soul a Star, Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life, 11 Birthdays, and The Candymakers.

Spaceheadz

Spaceheadz is a new series by Jon Scieszka written with Francesco Sedita and illustrated by Shane Prigmore. I was fortunate enough to hear Mr. Scieszka talk about his new series at the Jan Paris Book Festival (Sam Houston State University) in Corpus Christi in November. This zany new interactive series will appeal to reluctant readers – upper elementary to middle school. Michael K.’s first day of school couldn’t have been stranger. He meets two odd kids, Jennifer and Bob, who are also new to the school. They and their pet hamster claim to be Spaceheadz, aliens from another planet. The only phrases they know are the ones they have watched from advertisements from television broadcasts that have reached their planet. They have selected Michael K. to help them save Earth, because of his commercial – “When I eat my Super Crunchies, I can do anything!”. Read Spaceheadz to find out if Michael K. will help the aliens or turn them into Agent Umber from the Anti-Alien Agency. Readers can become even more involved by following facebook, youtube, blogs, and tweets related to the characters in the book. Watch the video below for more information.

The Unfinished Angel

The Unfinished Angel is Sharon Creech’s most recent novel. Readers at my school are currently reading Hate That Cat (companion book to Love That Dog) also by Sharon Creech…it is on our middle school reading list this year. Everyone will find the narrator, an angel who has yet to find her calling, extremely entertaining. She doesn’t understand “peoples” and their ways. She has been at the top of a tower in the Swiss Alps for as long as she can remember. Things change when she meets an odd girl named Zola. Zola is different from anyone she has observed. Zola reaches out to the angel and asks her many inquisitive questions that make the angel a bit uncomfortable. Zola believes she is an unfinished angel and wants help from the angel. This story made me laugh out loud. I especially loved the personalities of the orphaned children who live in the village. Will Zola and the angel be able to save them? I listened to this story in audiobook format – the narrator was excellent. Click on the video below to hear Sharon Creech read an excerpt from her book.

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda

I have multiple copies of The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger and they have been flying off my shelves. No sooner do I shelve a copy, an eager patron snatches it off the shelf. I had to place a hold for myself to be able to read this entertaining, humorous book over the holidays. It is told in multiple stories by middle schoolers who are asking advice from an Origami Yoda. The nerdiest kid at school, Dwight, has created a finger puppet, Origami Yoda, who answers questions in Yoda-like dialogue. At first, the students are skeptical…it has to be Dwight giving the advice. Things start to change when the students realize that there are just some things that Dwight couldn’t have known. The text is easy to read and the book has illustrations as well. Instructions for creating your own Origami Yoda are at the end of this quick read. This is a good book recommendation for those readers who have read Jeff Kinney’s entire Diary of a Wimpy Kid series and haven’t found another “great” book to read. The video below is the author showing you how to make your own Origami Yoda. In addition, this is on the Texas Bluebonnet Reading List 2011-12.

Dying to Meet You: 43 Cemetery Road

Dying to Meet You: 43 Old Cemetery Road by sisters, Kate and M. Sarah Klise, is on this year’s Texas Bluebonnet reading list. This chapter book recommended for upper elementary readers is told in epistolary form – using letters and newspaper articles – which will appeal to reluctant readers. The characters have pun(ny) names such as the real estate agent, Anita Sale, and book publisher, Paige Turner. This is a humorous story that expresses multiple points of view. A grumpy author, who has had writer’s block for twenty years, rents an old house. The house is occupied by a young boy, the boy’s cat, and a mischievous ghost. The ghost, formerly an unsuccessful writer, refuses to leave the house until one of her works is published. This endearing story’s conclusion will have readers seeking the second book in the series, Over My Dead Body: 43 Old Cemetery Road. Click on the video below to hear from the author and illustrator.

Cosmic

Cosmic by British author, Frank Cottrell Boyce, has been on many recommended lists. The author’s name may sound familiar…he is the author of Millions, which became a popular movie in 2004. Liam Digby has two major physical issues that cause him great angst. He is extremely tall for his age and has had facial hair for some time. In fact, he is mistaken for a teacher on his first day at Waterloo High. When his Dad doesn’t jump at the chance to participate in a Greatest Dad Ever contest held at a new amusement park in China, Liam decides to use his physical attributes to his advantage. He coaxes his friend, Florida, into pretending to be his daughter. This is when this fun(ny) story becomes reminiscent of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The Dads must compete to earn a place to travel with the children into space. I loved that Liam takes his role as a father so seriously that he refers to a book, Talk to Your Teen, throughout the story. The children find themselves lost in space and must problem solve to find their way back. Readers who enjoyed The Gollywhopper Games will love this one!

Big Nate: In a Class by Himself

Big Nate: In a Class by Himself by Lincoln Peirce will make you laugh out loud. The author, Lincoln Peirce, bases his first novel on his comic strip, Big Nate. Nate, a sixth-grade boy, opens a fortune cookie to find the message: Today you will surpass all others. Maybe today his fortune will actually come true. As the day goes on, things are not happening as Nate would have planned. This quick read is told with cartoon illustrations like Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid. This one would be great for reluctant readers or anyone who enjoys humorous stories.